This is only my second post here, and I want to thank you for your willingness to hear my question.

What are the personalities of the Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church?

Allow me to explain. In understand that there are theological differences between the two churches: the filioque, the role of the papacy, etc. I also understand there are historical differences: the Orthodox developed in the Eastern Roman Empire and its sphere of international influence, but the Catholics developed in the ruins of the Western Roman Empire. I also understand there are differences in rituals, liturgies, church architecture and so on.

However, I am interested in the difference in the mindset or personality of these two churches. I am Catholic, but I have visited some Orthodox parishes, and I have known some Orthodox people here in the U.S. (Midwest). I have also read some materials about Orthodoxy and Catholicism. Each church (beyond its individual members and ethnicites) seems to have its own personality, but I have a difficult time expressing what those are. What do you think they are? Or, is my question based on a false assumption?

Well, can I give you a link of something I said a few days ago? It was aimed at differences between Orthodox and Catholics/Protestants, but I'd say roughtly the same even if you took the Protestants out of the mix.